Cowgirls and Dragons

By Robert H Cherny

It seems that Vampire killers get no respect. One would think that protecting people from a race that would suck them dry and throw the desiccated husks on the street would earn some respect. One would think that converting large mythological beasts from enemies to allies would earn some gratitude. One would think that healers who use more than medicine along with their medical training, could practice without fear of exposure. Such is not the case.
The book “Cowgirls and Dragons” explores the lives of people who do these things and who are forced into hiding because of it. “Cowgirls and Dragons” is the sequel to “My Three Warlocks.” The team, led by a teenage girl, finds ways to make peace and form coalitions with creatures who were enemies of both the humans and each other. Allied with powerful ancient wizards, they win over the dragons, shape-shifters, and practitioners of dark magic. The only adversaries they cannot overcome are the vampires, despite many gruesome lop-sided battles, and the evangelicals.
Even the wisdom and counsel of ancient wizards and a shaman do not prepare them for the conflicts that lie ahead. Left to their instincts, the youngsters forge on with their lives recruiting friends. They learn to use the magic they are only beginning to understand the hard way, in combat. For the girl leader and her boyfriend, their most trusted and reliable companions are their horses. Noble, intelligent steeds, they carry their friends places no horse should be expected to go.
This book is suitable for teens and older, but it is not suitable for evangelicals.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert H Cherny
• Release date: Mar 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005543495

Robert H Cherny

Writing has always gotten me in trouble. Still does.I have been a fan of science and speculative fiction since I found it in the young people's section of the library. In grade school, I devoured works by Heinlein, Norton, Asimov, and Huxley among others. By the time I had finished high school, I had read every science fiction book in the town's library.When I was in high school I wrote short stories instead of paying attention in math class. This did not help my math grade and would have serious consequences a few years later.In college, I could be counted on for the divergent opinion. This was after my failed math forced a complete redirection of my life plan. A disastrous Freshman year at Brandeis University, forced a reevaluation of reading materials. Switching majors to theater brought exposure to Shaw, Strindberg, Ibsen, Stoppard, Pinter, Shakespeare, and a host of young would-be playwrights. As a technical theater major, I found that the quantity of material to which I was exposed often surpassed the quality. Too busy to do any writing of his own, I devoted his time to supporting the efforts of others.The Vietnam War brought a tour of duty in South Carolina and the opportunity to begin graduate work at the University of South Carolina. While in the Air Force, my anti-war sentiments did not become an issue, because I kept them secret. I did no writing except for my graduate school classes which I took while still in service. Even here, I was ever the contrarian, unwilling or unable to go where the others went. Fortunately, as a design major, my writing was of less concern than my draftsmanship. The war ended and with less than a month to go on my MA, and no job opportunities in sight, I left school lacking only my thesis and took a paying job at Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus World in Haines City Florida Master's degrees in the theater were not worth much in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.Fortunately, through a series of unlikely coincidences, I landed a job as technical director of the then brand new Tupperware Convention Center. At the time, it was the only full-time convention center in Central Florida. I would stay there for twenty years earning an MBA along the way although my work schedule left little time for either reading or writing except for articles in technical journals.My sudden departure from Tupperware provided the time to return to reading and writing. "Stagehands Walk" started in this period with the gracious help from the writers in the CompuServe Writers Forum. The email tag and the website name "Stagewalker" derive from this book. I returned to devouring speculative fiction reading authors like David Weber, John Ringo, Anne McCaffrey, CJ Cherryh, Kim Harrison, Tom Clancy, and Clive Cussler.A short stint at Disney Event Productions introduced me to the power of "Pixie Dust" although it would be six more years before I would figure out how to turn it into a novel, the "Fairies" series.I left Disney for Paradise Show and Design which later became "The Launch Group" where I returned to my roots in live event technical support. I took a short detour to open the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida before returning to Paradise from where I have since retired."Don't give up your day job."

Book preview

Chapter 1

L J and Josh met the group of tourists as they climbed out of the bus at first light the day after Christmas. The day was unseasonably warm for New Hampshire but still cold enough to keep sane people indoors. A recent storm had dropped plenty of new snow, and the surrounding ski slope operators were thrilled. L J’s dogs had been out at first light to explore the fresh powder. They romped and rolled in the white fluff and were gleefully soaked. Myra and Alicia, L J and Josh’s shape-shifter friends from Florida, had never been on one of these wintertime camping trips and had no idea what to expect. L J’s dogs were excited as usual to see the visitors. Their eyes bright and their ears pointed skyward, they ran from one guest to the next barking, wagging their tails and begging for attention. Josh surveyed the group as he did with all such groups. He paid particular attention to who had new gear and whose gear looked well worn. Only two people in this bunch showed any signs of experience, and that was not encouraging.

With the gruesome battle against the vampires less than two days old, Josh worried how his son would adjust to his new role in life. L J was a healer. His hands held the power to heal, and he had done that. There was no longer any doubt. His capacity for healing astounded even the venerable and learned wizards who mentored him. Still, he was just a boy, and Josh knew that kids needed to have fun. Josh knew he was not the sharpest person around, but he loved his son and would do everything he could for him. Unfortunately, this group of tourists promised to interfere with that plan.

Once the gear was unloaded, L J whispered to his father, Dad, I don’t think we should take these people cross country. It’s not safe.

Josh looked at his son carefully. Are you reading them?

Not their minds. I can’t do that, not like Rosanne. I can understand their body language. All except that guy over there, they’re terrified.

We have to do something for them. We have to take them somewhere. They paid a lot of money to be here.

We can tell them there’s a storm coming in, and we should go straight to the mountain lodge. We all know that the Boston weather people never get the weather right up here.

Good plan.

L J alerted Alicia and Myra to the subterfuge. Alicia had noticed the nervous looks and was glad that L J had spotted them as well. Two rough-looking men carrying skies and wearing outfits that had seen many years of use came out of the horse barn and joined the group. It’s about time you showed up, Josh said out of earshot of the guests.

We was talking to the boss. He don’t think we should take them cross country. They’s financial analysts from Boston on some team-building kind of thing. They don’t know nothing.

That explains a lot, Josh said. We’ll take them straight to the mountain lodge up the logging road instead of the long path.

The men nodded their agreement.

Josh spoke to the group. Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Josh Donovan, the excursion leader. These two gentlemen just joining us are your ski guides. The tall one is Archie. Wave Archie.

Archie waved.

The short one is Ernie.

Ernie waved.

The young gentleman leading the horses is my son, Josh Junior. He goes by ‘L J’, which stands for ‘Little Josh.’ The young lady next to him with the pack horses is a friend of his from Florida. Her name is Alicia. The lady next to me is Alicia’s guardian, Myra. They live on the ranch where L J and I lived in Florida and decided to spend their Christmas vacations with us. Now folks, think about this. Florida or New Hampshire in the winter? I don’t know about you, but that’s friendship.

Several people chuckled at the joke. He smiled and surveyed the group again. Okay, so we’re changing the plan a little. Usually, we would take the long route through the forest to the mountain lodge. Archie, Ernie, and I think there may be a storm coming in. The weather people in Boston just do not understand how different their weather is from ours. We do not feel it prudent to take the long route since it is easy to lose the trail in the forest. It only takes a light snowfall to hide the path and your tracks. The dogs are capable of keeping us on the road, but I have seen them get lost. So, we will take the logging road to the mountain lodge and establish our base there.

The one man who most looked like he might potentially know what he was doing objected. Wait a second. The point of this exercise is to confront danger together and rise above it as a team. That is what team building is about. That is what I was hired to do, to build a team.

Josh faced the man down. Josh was the tallest person around, broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip, so forcing the man to back down was not hard. I don’t care what your job is. My job is to keep these people alive. That is Job One. I say we use the logging road. It is easy to follow and well-marked. It is still physically challenging but actually provides better scenery along the way.

I forbid it.

Josh sighed. He resisted the urge to punch the man in the face. You know, sometimes a good team must make take risks and make its own decisions. Leaders are not always right, and sometimes a team must stand up for itself and not blindly follow orders. We are not in the Army. We are thinking, reasoning adults. Shall we have a meeting on it right here?

One of the women raised her hand. How challenging is the logging road compared to the forest route?

It’s actually steeper in places. There are areas where you will need to help each other up the hills. It is much easier to follow in rough weather than the forest route would be.

One of the men raised his hand. You said the scenery is better on the logging road. What’s the difference?

Trees have been cleared on some of the hairpin turns, giving a beautiful view. We can also make a short detour to a waterfall which would be a good place for lunch. The forest trail does not go near the waterfall.

Wouldn’t the falls be iced over?

L J said, That’s what makes it so beautiful. The sun glistens off the icicles.

The woman who asked the first question asked, If we went the forest route, where would you be with the horses, and where would you be if we took the logging road?

We would take the horses up the logging road in either case.

If we took the logging road, would you stay with us? She asked.

Yes.

What about the dogs?

They go with L J. They’re his dogs.

By this time, Josh had figured out that whoever this woman was, she was not the highest-ranking of the group, but she was the most respected.

The woman spoke in a commanding voice. I say that those who wish to take the logging road go with Josh and L J. Those who want to go the forest route can go with Archie and Ernie.

Josh shot a quick glance at Archie, who nodded.

Josh said, All right. Those who wish to go via the logging road gather by that gate with their skis on. It’s a couple of hours of walking time, and the bushes are cold. The restrooms are over there, but they aren’t much warmer. You had best use them before we leave. Those that want to go with Archie and Ernie stay here, and they will give you instructions. One last thing. Myra and I will lead. L J and Alicia will follow the last skier. L J’s horse, Trigger, is kind of skittish. He does not like people behind him, and he does kick.

Several of the guests chuckled at the image.

Half an hour later, all but one group member had formed up with Josh and L J by the gate. Archie and Ernie decided that escorting one recalcitrant skier made no sense, so they forced him to join the rest of the group. This arrogant idiot would be part of a team, and not its leader, despite himself if Archie and Ernie had anything to say about it.

Okay, folks, Archie and Ernie will check your backpacks to make sure they are properly fitted and properly adjusted for your height and weight. Once that is done, we will head out.

Once the checks were completed, Archie shouted, Yo, Josh, how’s about Ernie and me lead so y’, and the kid can spend time with the ladies. Y’ can take the tail. They come all the way from Florida to see y’.

The group clapped their approval or as much as they could applaud with their heavy gloves.

Archie waved his hand in a circle, pointed to the road, and shouted, Head ‘em up! Move ‘em out!

The first mile of the hike went smoothly. The skiers climbed each hill working together and helping each other along. Archie and Ernie demonstrated the proper way to conquer a slope on skis taking care that each skier mastered each skill before moving on. The tourists’ willingness to help each other on the steeper parts of the climb made the trip much more fun. Even though Christmas was over, they sang Christmas carols as they climbed. As they passed each challenging point in the route, Archie, Ernie, and Josh exchanged hand signals to show that they had made the right choice by not taking the forest path. They crested a larger hill than the previous hills, and one of the younger men pushed off and skied down the other side, leaving Archie and Ernie behind.

Archie said, Five bucks says he doesn’t make the turn.

No bet. He’s goin’ in the bushes for sure.

Ten seconds later, they heard someone collide with the bushes, followed by a shout of pain.

Archie turned to the group. Team building lesson number whatever this is, renegades can get hurt. Everyone’s done well so far. Y’re working together real nice. I like it. Those of y’ that want to ski down wait ‘til Ernie and me get to the bottom so we can catch y’ and help y’ make the turn. When we tell y’, lift yer left pole and lean to yer left.

Archie shouted that they were ready, and the woman who had asked the most questions went first. There is a difference between a scream of fear and a cry of pleasure and surprise. When Archie caught her elbow and pulled her around the turn, it was the latter, and everyone knew it. This was the first time any of them had seen her do anything just for the fun of it, and it marked a turning point in their relationships. The woman was known to be straight-laced and strictly by the book. Josh and LJ, waiting at the top of the hill with the remainder of the group, heard the comments and recognized that this was part of what this exercise was intended to accomplish. Part of the fun also had to do with the fact that the man who had collided with the shrub could not get down independently. He hung there on display as the rest of the group successfully negotiated the corner waiting until Josh arrived with the horse to rescue him. The teasing he took while he hung there was embarrassing enough that he would think twice before playing the fool again.

The next half mile was hilly and featured several sharp turns. Each challenge was met with exuberance and teamwork. Just before the road straightened out again, the woman who had asked the most questions lingered longer than the others at an overlook with a commanding view of the valley. Instead of being at the head of the group as she had been up until then, she was now the last, immediately in front of Josh and Myra. A news helicopter flew low overhead. Two military helicopters intercepted it and forced it to turn away. The woman watched as the helicopters disappeared over the mountains. The sound of distant police radios floated in the air.

The woman looked at Josh. Do you know what happened?

Josh said, We shouldn’t talk about it.

The woman looked at Josh and Myra. Josh could see she was thinking about something that might not be appropriate for him to discuss.

The woman who had strayed, Josh, Myra, L J, and Alicia, continued in silence until they came to another overlook. They could see police activities on the road below. L J and Alicia dismounted and stood looking down into what they now privately called Vampire Valley. From this vantage point, L J could see the logging road their three wizard friends had used to take the two rogue wizards they had encased in blocks of ice somewhere they could not bother anyone for a very long time.

The woman stepped between L J and Alicia. My cousin was one of the people who was rescued from that hell hole. He’d only been missing a week, so he wasn’t in as bad shape as some of the others. He talked about a young boy and his father that helped rescue them. Are you that boy?

Josh stood next to L J.

Please, ma’am. I don’t want to talk about it, L J said.

She gasped. You are. I’ve seen that look. I have three grown sons. I know what that look means. I won’t tell your secret, but you should know that you saved many lives.

She turned to Josh. And you’re the father. You’re the father who your son loves so much that all he cared about was getting your boots back.

She looked at Alicia and Myra. My cousin mentioned a woman and a girl who came for the father and son. That must be you. You’re all heroes. She paused. Were you afraid?

Terrified, L J said.

Many people owe you their lives. If you ever wish to know who they are, you know how to find me. Until then, I will tell nobody. She paused again. Someday, you will need to talk about this. Eventually, you will need to deal with the pain. Plunging yourself into work will help for a while, but it only lasts for so long. Trust me, I know. That’s what I did when my husband died. You will need to find someone to talk to. Choose carefully because not only must you trust them, they must also trust you.

By this time, they had fallen far behind and raced to catch up. When it became apparent that the woman could not catch up with the rest of the group, Josh grabbed her hands and pulled her on her skis with the horse. She laughed the whole time until they rejoined the others.

When they caught up with the others, Archie shouted, Yo, Josh, no nookie on the job. Y’ gotta keep up.

Josh shouted back, Yes, sir. I will, sir.

That brought a laugh as they prepared to ski down a small hill.

The group reached the mountain lodge by lunchtime. Josh had decided to leave the detour to the falls for another time. The packs were heavy, and everyone was tiring. Josh and L J prepared to start the fire in the outdoor fire pit. It would keep them warm, cook their food, and provide a gathering place for the remainder of this outing. Sleeping bags and backpacks were distributed around the lodge as the guests chose their bunks in the big open room.

As the guests selected their beds, Archie shouted, Keep in mind that the dogs will find the person who snores the loudest to snuggle up with. If you snore, you might wish to take an upper bunk.

One of the men asked, Does everyone sleep in here?

Ernie deadpanned, The horses sleep in the barn.

The laughter rolled around the room as each person got the joke.

* * * * *

Three ancient wizards team-drove the freezer truck from New Hampshire to a tiny airstrip in coastal South Carolina, stopping only for fuel. Tokamak drove the last leg of the trip. Gandalf slept in the center, and Merlin stared out the window. Two rogue wizards were encased in blocks of ice in the freezer compartment. The wizard known as Roman had helped the vampires build a factory farm to harvest human blood. Roman had captured L J and Josh, friends of the three wizards driving the truck, and that led to a battle in which the vampires who had come to Roman’s rescue all died. The vampires were really dead this time, not undead able to rise again, but their heads had been severed from their bodies. The most distressing part of the whole thing was that two of the people who did the severing were youngsters barely in their teens wielding enchanted swords that had witnessed hundreds of battles. The third was not much older. They were responding to warnings issued by a nine-year-old healer. Typically, the warriors who participated in such confrontations were adults. These were children. Merlin reflected on the carnage he had seen as he arrived at the battlefield. The vampires lay strewn across the valley floor, staked to the ground with wooden stakes. Some had as many as a dozen stakes driven through their bodies. The attackers, including shape-shifters seeking revenge, had found their vengeance with a passion.

Even so, the teens, a girl, and two boys, and not the shape-shifters, had cleaved the heads and kicked them aside. The undead eyes had flashed open as the swords sliced through the pasty flesh, and silent screams had issued from the painted lips. How could this not scar them? Merlin had seen less sensitive and caring people than these run screaming from such a sight never to return. These three systematically decapitated dozens of vampires, wiped the blood off their swords, and went home.

Catching Balthazar, the second wizard, was a stroke of fortune. He was rushing to Roman’s aid when he slammed into Merlin and Gandalf as they raced to join the fight against Roman. The battle between the lone wolf rogue and the two comrades who often allied against common enemies was short. Balthazar was encased in a giant block of ice and loaded into a freezer truck.

One of the advantages of being a thousand-year-old wizard is that you know many influential people on both sides of the law. Merlin knew most of the crime bosses in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe. Their help would be critical to finishing this mission.

The only USAF (Ret) C-119 Flying Boxcar rigged for mid-air refueling sat at the end of the vacant airstrip. The aircraft had first seen duty in the Korean War. It flew in the Vietnam War, but after that, it had spent much of its life abandoned in a hanger in the Aleutians. How it found its way there was anyone’s guess. One of Merlin’s crime boss friends picked it up and began running drugs with it. He modified it for an extended range with the addition of more fuel tanks and refueling equipment.

The airstrip was used to train aircrews during World War II and was abandoned not long after the war ended. Grass poked up through the cracks in the runway, but the concrete was still level enough for the drug planes to use it, which they did. This C-119 was one of those aircraft, flying one of the riskiest air routes in the world. No one would ever admit when a drug plane was shot down, but many of them disappeared at this corner of the Bermuda Triangle. Still, who better than a drug transporter to haul cargo so secret that all the world’s governments and their militaries needed to be kept unaware? Merlin had spent most of his life hiding from military organizations that would abuse his unique talents.

The truck backed directly up to the aircraft. A loading ramp was slung between the plane and the truck. The ice blocks were pushed into the plane by silent men used to keeping secrets. They could see the outlines of the captives encased in the ice but knew better than to ask questions. The three wizards boarded the aircraft. The truck left. Struggling with its heavy load of cargo and extra fuel, the plane clawed for every bit of airspeed it could get. It rolled the entire length of the runway, its tires brushing the grass at the end, before becoming airborne. Had there been trees instead of a beach and the ocean at the end of the runway, the aircraft would not have made it. The crash, however unwelcome, would have been spectacular. The aircraft’s destination was Antarctica. If all went according to plan, a tracked snow vehicle and trailers would be waiting for them. Still, there was a long way to fly with precious few scheduled stops.

* * * * *

Travis Johnson looked at the eight horses and eight riders in front of him. Okay, you slackers, we have less than a week to be ready for the New Year’s parade. Last year we did a good job considering that three of you had never been on a horse before. I must say that y’all worked hard and got the job done. This year, I’ve already heard that we could be in contention for the parade’s best entry prize. So, this year our quadrille will even be better than that bunch that does it for the rodeo.

Travis studied Heather and Bradley. The day before yesterday, they had hacked the heads off a small army of vampires. Today, they looked like regular kids working with their horses. Travis wondered if they felt as alone as he imagined they did. He also pondered if Heather’s mother, the warrior witch Iolanthe, had felt isolated when she was alive and married to him. Perhaps she could have talked to him, but then, would he have listened? Would he have understood a warrior witch? Could he have helped her? Should he have gone with her on her missions? If he had gone, would she still be alive?

Lost in thought, Travis stared off into space until Heather said, Earth to Dad. Earth to Dad. We’re here ready for practice.

Travis smiled. Oh, sorry, I got distracted.

Garth, the oldest of the triplet warlocks, said, There’s a lot of that going around. Perhaps we should start again tomorrow. It has been a rough few days.

The warlocks and their wives had not participated directly in the battle against the vampires. They had been occupied with the simultaneous struggle against Roman. Once Roman had been encased in ice, they had descended into the valley to deliver the ice globe. They had witnessed the decapitations but had not participated in them. The warlocks’ mother had been rescued in the battle, and they were glad to have her with them, but she would need a lot of help before she was well, and being away from her today was probably not a good idea.

Travis said, Yes, tomorrow would be better.

Once the witches and warlocks had departed through the portal for their ranch, Bradley said, Travis, I need help. Do you mind if I visit Chief Lonely Sky Walker? I would like to talk to him.

On the one hand, Travis was thrilled that Bradley knew enough to ask for help. On the other, he wished that Bradley had chosen him. Send him a text. See if he’s accepting visitors.

The answer was almost immediate. It started with a smiley face icon. I am honored that you have chosen me to confide in, young warrior. Bring Heather.

There was a pause, and before Bradley could ask when he could come, another text arrived. Come now. Mount your horses. Bring cold-weather gear. Stand by the portal. Text when you are ready.

The last text read, I will pull you through. My wife eagerly awaits your arrival.

Heather and Bradley threw enough clothes for two days with all their cold-weather gear into backpacks and saddlebags. They strapped on their swords and daggers. They mounted their horses and stood by the portal. They had no sooner sent the text than Chief Walker appeared in the entrance. He grabbed the horses’ bridles, one in each hand, and ran back through. Travis watched them disappear.

Bradley knew how the portals worked and never ceased to be amazed by them. In a matter of seconds, they had traveled from Florida to the home of the Lakota Indians somewhere in the Dakotas. Bradley and Nathan built and maintained portals, but they had never visited this one. Bradley and Heather realized how rare an opportunity this was. They had expected Chief Walker to come to them as he had done in the past but not to invite them to go to him. They knew that the list of people welcome at Chief Walker’s home was short, and they were surprised that they were on it.

* * * * *

Nathan and his parents sat at the kitchen table. An empty pizza box teetered on one corner. Empty coffee cups and soda bottles cluttered the counter. They had been up all night.

So, do we have an agreement, then? Nathan’s father said.

Yes, Dad, I think we do.

Steve, don’t make us write it down, Nathan’s mother said. Being a lawyer is your day job, not how you run your family.

Gertrude, I will concede to you this time. We have an agreement between our son and us. That is what matters.

Nathan said, I agree to tell you when I am leaving, and you reserve the right to come with me subject to the approval of whoever called me.

And such approval will not be unreasonably withheld, Nathan’s father said.

Dad, I can’t speak for thousand-year-old wizards. When they get back from Antarctica, you can try to impress them with your point of view.

And you agree to work with us on getting our motorcycle permits, and you will ride with us whenever you can, Nathan’s mother said. Since you refuse to get a job because you spend all your time with those gamers and are not going to college, that should not be too hard.

Mom, we agreed that I would apply for college. Even with my grades, I should be able to get into the community college and will never be far from home.

Except when you run out through that portal in the backyard, Gertrude said.

There is that.

In a way, I’m glad you woke up screaming in the middle of the night, Nathan’s father said. Otherwise, we would have had no idea that anything was bothering you or that we could help. I’m glad that you trusted us enough to tell us the truth, and I am happy that we helped you deal with this. So, the next time you wake up screaming, we will be there just as we were this time.

Thank you, Dad.

Chopping the heads off vampires would give anyone nightmares. I suspect that this was not the last time you will be frightened by this memory. We will be here for you. Now, here is the plan. We will nap for a couple of hours, and we will get junk food for lunch. Then, we will go to the motorcycle dealership and buy two new motorcycles. Yours is perfectly serviceable.

Nathan smiled. Yes, I like my bike.

Then we will see about riding school and motorcycle endorsements for our driver licenses. If everything goes according to plan, we will ride to Florida and bring in the New Year with your friends.

Sounds like a great idea, Nathan’s mother said.

Nathan smiled. He wanted some quiet time with Bradley and Heather.

* * * * *

Chief Lonely Sky Walker’s wife was the complete opposite of her husband. He was lithe with the lean, powerful look of a man who spent most of his life on the hunt for small game. His wife stood barely up to his shoulder and was as big around as she was tall. Heather’s feet had barely touched the ground before the woman ran to her and hugged her. My brave child. Thank you for coming to see us. Have you eaten? You are so thin. Can I feed you something? Walk with me.

Heather did not even try to speak. She followed and was soon eating a much heartier breakfast than she would have chosen for herself. As she ate, a half dozen small girls joined her at the table and inundated her with questions, which she answered as best she could. They asked about her home, her relationship with Bradley, riding horses, was Bradley a good kisser, could they braid her hair, how long had she known Bradley, how long was she staying, was she coming to the party this evening, could they teach her to dance, would she be mad if they danced with Bradley, until finally Grandma cut them off and shooed them away reminding them of their chores.

You need to meet the others. They have a full day planned for you. You should call me ‘Grandma’ just like the others. I am ‘Grandma’ to the whole village, even the ones that are not related to me.

Thank you, Grandma. I’m already glad I came.

Should I call Travis and tell him you will be staying the night?

Yes, please.

Grandma handed Heather gloves and a thick hooded coat and pointed her in the direction of the barn. Heather met Bradley and Chief Lonely Sky Walker near the barn. They had been joined by a man and a woman in their thirties. All were wearing heavy coats designed for horseback riding in this type of cold weather.

Heather, please meet my grandson, Light Air Walker, and my granddaughter Flying Wing Walker.

I am pleased to meet you.

Air Walker said, We thought you might like to spend the day hunting elk. He handed her a set of binoculars. It’s time for our monthly elk count. We thought you might like to help us count the herds.

Sounds like fun, Heather said.

They mounted their horses and headed for the elk feeding grounds.

Within the hour, they were on top of a hill, counting a herd of elk and tracking a pack of wolves that lurked at the edges of the herd.

As they watched the herd, Air said, Grandfather asked us to accompany you because he wants us to be the team that supports the new generation of sorcerers. He is mortal and in failing health. He wishes to be sure that there is no break between the generations.

Is he really your grandfather? Heather asked.

Great-grandfather, Air answered. Two or three, I get confused.

Two or three what? Heather asked.

Greats, Air replied. He’s over a hundred and twenty years old.

And his wife? Heather asked.

Same age. They’re sick and want us to take over, Wing replied.

We know some healers, Heather offered. Could they help?

Even the best healers can’t stop cancer, Wing replied.

I’m sorry, Heather said.

Don’t be, Wing said. They have spent their entire lives as shamans, and they have loved every minute of it.

Do you want to be a shaman? Bradley asked.

They answered together, Oh, yes.

Wing continued, That’s why we’re so happy grandfather chose us to work with you. Grandfather says you are the strongest sorcerers he can remember except for the immortals. We wish to be counted among your friends.

Thank you. We would be honored to be your friends.

You are the first white people Grandfather has ever brought to visit us. We go to schools with white students off the reservation, but we never receive white visitors.

Why us? Bradley asked.

Because you are heroes, Air replied.

Can’t say as I feel like a hero, Bradley said.

Me, either, Heather added.

Wing continued, You defeated the shape-shifters and then made peace with them. Do you not understand how unusual that is?

Bradley shook his head. We made peace with the Japanese and the Germans after World War II. So how is what we did different?

Air asked, How many other wars have ended with lasting peace?

Not many, Wing replied. You are special. If anyone can make peace with the vampires, it will be you.

I don’t see that happening, Bradley said. Especially since they use humans for food.

Perhaps not the vampires, then, Air conceded. But Grandfather says there are other races we would rather have as friends than as enemies. He is hopeful that you can bridge the gaps.

Do you know who they are? Heather asked.

Wing said, No, Grandpa has not told us of many of them. He has told us of the dragons who made your swords. We would have wished to be their friends, but they are gone.

Extinct? Heather asked.

We believe so, Wing said. Nobody has seen dragons for over two hundred years. They were great and magnificent beasts from what Grandfather tells us.

Did he see them? Bradley asked.

No, but he said his grandfather did. He said too many humans tried to kill them for them to be our friends. They did not trust us, Air said.

Bradley said, We hear all those stories about knights in armor running off to slay a dragon. I always thought it was just a story.

No, the Knights saw it as a way to prove themselves. Many more died than succeeded. Wing replied.

I can see why they would not trust us, Bradley said.

Yes, it is unfortunate.

* * * * *

Josh had worked on two previous team-building exercises. Both of the others were complete disasters. This one was already better than the last. The conflicts that plagued the other activities were absent from this group. Despite the bitterness of the weather, the guests were in good spirits, and Josh resolved that he would see that, if nothing else, these people had fun with this outing. He stood next to the cold fire pit and shouted, Everyone gather ‘round. We’re going to do some basic survival training.

That’s not part of the plan, the organizer challenged.

It is now, Josh shot back. He clenched his fist behind his back. The woman who asked the most questions was the only one who saw it. She gently rested her hand on his fist to calm him.

I’ll have you fired for this, the organizer threatened.

Archie was standing next to the organizer and said, Not bloody likely. There’re lots of places a man could get hurt out here, and I’d hate you to find one.

Are you threatening me?

Nope, Archie replied with a smile that was almost a snarl.

Josh said, So, we’ve already learned a few things today. We’ve learned what happens when you run off by yourself. We have learned the proper way to climb a hill on skis. We have learned that people are not always who we think they are. Let’s apply that new learning. Let’s pretend that we do not have everything we need to survive the next few days here in this building. We do, but let’s act like we don’t. Let’s pretend that we have to survive on our own. Archie, Ernie, and I will watch to make sure nobody gets hurt, but we will not help. L J, Alicia, and Myra will guard the base camp and bring the horses to rescue anyone who needs saving. So, I want to see a fire in the pit and food on the table by dinner time. Go for it.

The group spent the first few minutes arguing. Potential leaders rose and fell. Plans emerged out of the chaos, and three teams were formed. Archie went out with the first group. Ernie worked with the second team, and Josh joined the last.

* * * * *

The motorcycle dealer where Nathan had purchased his bike had a class scheduled for that evening. Even though Nathan already had his motorcycle endorsements, his father signed him up for the course, too. They would take the indoor session that night, do the practical riding lessons the next two days on their new bikes, and take their tests on Wednesday. That left two days to make the twenty-hour drive to Florida. It was tight but not unreasonable.

* * * * *

The mid-air refueling was one of the most frightening things Merlin had ever done. The pilot did not seem to be overly concerned, but he had done this many times. Flying low over the waves, the tanker approached from their right and positioned itself in front of their plane. They then pulled forward until the hose met the receptacle. Fuel filled the empty tanks agonizingly slowly, and after an interminable wait, the tanker departed for home. They had a total of sixteen hours of flying time, including the delay for refueling before their first stop at a small landing strip on an island off the coast of Colombia. Their course would take them east of the Bahamas, over the strait between Cuba and Haiti, and then on to Colombia, dodging the radar from the islands along the way. Once the refueling was done, the pilot set the autopilot and took a nap. Merlin was not impressed.

* * * * *

By dinnertime, all of Josh’s teams had accomplished their missions. As Josh had hoped, new leaders emerged from the group, and members of the group who had been ignored in the past rose to prominence. Even the organizer of the event, who had opposed Josh initially, recognized the success of what Josh had done. The fire was laid, and the dinner was cooking when Josh addressed them again. Okay, let’s start this evening with two assumptions. First, no company is perfect, and second, there are other companies all around trying to steal your clients. So, using the same teams you used this afternoon, we will gather and discuss these issues after dinner. In the morning, we will go for a hike, and when we return, you will present your ideas to the group without the use of visual aids.

Dinner was its usual rowdy, boisterous affair. The woman who had asked the most questions earlier in the day sat next to L J and Alicia while they ate. I have been thinking about you all day. Look, I know you’re not supposed to talk about what happened, but the word will get out. People will come around asking questions. You need to think about what you will say. You will need to talk about it if for no other reason than your own sanity. You do not have to do this alone.

L J met her eye. She continued without breaking stride. I know, you have your Dad, and you have Myra, but they were there and have their own problems with what happened. You need to talk to someone who was not there and needs you to explain it all to them. You are still children. Things like this are not supposed to happen to children.

But they do, L J said. They happen to children all over the world.

I know.

L J rested his head against her shoulder. She reached around and pulled him tight. She reached for Alicia and pulled her in as well. They sat together in that embrace until well after Archie had started telling his campfire stories. The dogs, easily bored, had headed off for the warmth of the barn with the horses.

* * * * *

The elk hunt turned out to be a brilliant idea. The wolf pack turned its attention away from the herd and stalked the horses and riders for an hour before returning to the elk herds. Bradley was especially thrilled to see the wolves so close. They did not fear the wolves, and the wolves did not appear to be concerned about them, but they kept a respectful distance from each other. Heather and Bradley spent most of the day talking about the incident at Vampire Valley to people who really did understand what they were going through.

When they returned from the hunt, Chief Walker’s wife greeted them. Did you have fun?

Heather said, Yes, it was a beautiful day. Thank you for making it happen.

You are most welcome. Now, there is a bevy of excited little girls who want to braid your hair and get you dressed appropriately for the dance.

Do they do this to everyone?

They do it a lot. They have fun with it.

Grandma, is it true that we are the first white people to visit here?

The first in a very long time, yes.

I am honored.

They opened the door, and an army of little girls squealed with delight.

Heather had grown up with her father, brother, and itinerant ranch hands. She had not spent much time with girls her own age and younger. She had friends at school, but she lived so far out in the country that she did not socialize with them very much. She wanted to, but things never quite worked out. She had never done a girls’ sleepover or many of the things little girls do growing up. She was utterly unprepared for the attention she received from these girls. It was like they were playing dress up with their dolls, only she was the doll. The shape-shifter orphan girls that lived on her ranch had done her nails when they did theirs, but that was nothing like this. Of course, the shape-shifter girls also painted the dogs’ nails, and nobody understood how the dogs tolerated that.

The energy the girls put into making Heather beautiful so moved her that she started to cry. Nobody had ever done anything like this before. When she commented, one of the older girls huffed and said, We do this for all our friends. You should come around more often.

Sure enough, once Heather was pampered within an inch of her life, the girls turned their attention to each other, starting with the smallest. At the absolute last second, before they needed to leave, the girls helped Heather into a native buckskin dress and put flowers in her hair. One on each arm, they escorted her to the lodge building where the dance was being held.

Bradley’s preparations were much less intense. He spent most of the time with Chief Walker and Air discussing his role in supporting Heather. Bradley would have his own missions, but he was to never let Heather go out alone. She was the most powerful warrior witch anyone had seen in a long time, even stronger than her mother, Iolanthe. That made her a prime target. They discussed the strategies for making the best use of her skills and how his powers complemented hers. While Bradley appreciated the insights, he was most grateful for the time they took talking about Heather’s mother. Iolanthe was one-quarter Lakota, but she was one of the few in this village not related to the Walker family. Air’s uncle had dated her and had hoped to marry her, but she had left the community not long after her skills became apparent.

Not much was known about Iolanthe from the time she left the village until she met Travis at the Rodeo in Rapid City, South Dakota. They knew she had been a trick rider and had used her exceptional skills to keep from being hurt while she performed. Bradley and Heather had seen the expensive custom-made saddles in the tack shed. Travis cleaned and oiled the leathers periodically because they reminded him of his love for her.

They knew she had apprenticed to Morgan Le Fey and had been Merlin’s student for a brief, contentious term of study. They knew she was feisty and opinionated. They also knew that she had disobeyed orders in the battle in which she died and had attacked earlier than had been planned. While several other people believed themselves responsible for her death, it was her own fault in some ways. The lesson for Bradley was that he must not let Heather, who was so much like her mother in many ways, make the same mistakes.

Once Bradley’s briefing was finished, he was handed clothes and shown where he could wash and change. When Bradley emerged, Air and Wing were waiting for him. So, Sir Galahad, come meet the Belle of the Ball.

As they walked, Bradley asked, I appreciate all the attention, but shouldn’t you be with your children before the dance? Do you have children?

Air laughed. We have children. I have three, and she has two.

Wing smiled and said, He is my brother. One of the girls with Heather is my daughter. Another is Air’s. Our parents and our spouses are probably spoiling the rest completely rotten.

Bradley said, I guess that is as it should be.

Indeed, Air replied.

* * * * *

Archie told the best stories. Ernie backed him up with sound effects, but nobody had Archie’s flair for the dramatic when it came to campfire stories. Anyone who had ever been to summer camp had heard these stories, but Archie made them new and fresh. He even invented a story about the skier in the bush in honor of today’s adventures. He started telling stories during dinner and continued well into the night. L J’s favorite was The Red Hand, which he had heard so many times he could recite it along with Archie, although he knew better. Archie always saved The Red Hand for last. L J waited through the story, and at the precise moment Archie reached out with the severed hand, L J grabbed Alicia. She screamed, and as soon as she realized what he had done, she started beating him with her hands while she yelled at him. When L J had taken all the abuse he intended to handle, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

She kissed him back and then said, Don’t you ever scare me like that again, Joshua Isiah Donovan Junior.

She walked in a huff into the lodge.

The adults watched her go with knowing smiles.

* * * * *

Bradley and Heather waited in the foyer. Chief Walker intended to formally introduce them since they were the guests of honor. Just before he went to make the introductions, he said, As is our custom, Heather, you will dance with all the unmarried men who ask, and Bradley, you will dance with all the unmarried women in the village that wish to dance with you. One at a time, of course.

Chief Walker introduced them, and the applause started.

As soon as they entered the room, one of the littlest of the little girls who had helped Heather get ready approached Bradley. She did a perfect little curtsey. Sir, would you care to dance with me?

I don’t know how to dance. Could you please show me?

She blushed and said, Yes, sir, I would be happy to teach you to dance.

A boy no older than the girl who approached Bradley approached Heather and bowed stiffly from the waist. Miss Heather, would you like me to help teach you to dance?

Yes, please, kind sir.

Thus, the evening began.

As the evening progressed, Bradley noticed that not everyone was pleased to see them. One man, in particular, seemed to go out of his way to bump into Bradley on the dance floor and jostle his arm at the punch bowl. He asked Air about it.

His only daughter was one of the last to die, giving birth to a shape-shifter baby. He still seeks revenge. He disapproves of your working with them.

Bradley looked directly at